Born Oct. 13, 1920, in Obersteinbach, Germany, Emma (Emmy) Lesch grew up on a family farm surrounded by her 11 tight-knit siblings, a bread-baking mother, and resourceful farming father. At the age of 17, she immigrated to the United States to join her elder sister, Anna, and a brother, Chris, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Emmy taught herself English and graduated from high school.
Three years later, this natural beauty was swept off her feet by Ludwig (Lou) Lesch, a handsome G.I. with a twinkle in his eye and mischievous streak. On Jan. 24, 1946, she and Lou married in Cincinnati after he returned from U.S. military service in World War II. They spent the next 63 years together raising a family of three, making homes on U.S. Army bases across America and in Germany, and ultimately settling in Florence, Alabama.
Emma and Ludwig were often seen taking long walks together, tending to their garden, and entertaining friends and family. Emmy was a skilled bridge player, loyal friend, excellent cook, and loyal member of her church community. She was beloved for her fresh baked cookies and cakes, making her home a warm and welcoming gathering spot for her children’s friends. In addition to raising and educating her three children, one of her proudest achievements was obtaining U.S. citizenship; she never missed a chance to vote and always encouraged others to do the same. Over the years, Emmy and Lou traveled widely, within Europe and the U.S., and also seeking adventure in Ghana, Kenya, and Israel.
Emma Buettner Lesch died peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee early on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014. She is survived by daughter, Barbara Lesch, son-in-law, Daniel Prince, and granddaughter, Lauren Lesch Prince, all of Nashville; and by daughter, Monika Lesch, of Morganton, North Carolina; and two
grandsons, Nathaniel Lesch-Huie, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Zachary Lesch-Huie and his wife, Ehrin Irvin, of Chattanooga, Tennessee. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a large extended family throughout the United States and Germany, including Emma’s youngest brother in Waldenburg, Germany. In reaching heaven, Emma joins her loving husband and only son, Ronnie Lesch, as well as many dear friends and siblings that preceded her.
The family would like to extend prayers of special thanks to the staff of Elder Care in Florence, Alabama, as well as to The Blakeford, Belmont Village, and Alive Hospice, all in Nashville. We are deeply appreciative to Dr. Bruce Richards, who in recent years was her attending physician as well as a family friend, and to his parents and to Faye Horteinsteine, the Elder family, and her church community in Florence for their kindness throughout Emma’s long life.
Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 224 E. Mobile St., Florence, Alabama, 35630, on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at 2 p.m. with visitation to follow after the service. Please direct any donations and gifts to the
, the First Presbyterian Church of Florence, American Red Cross, or to a
